Gulf's largest open-air square coming to Doha

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The regeneration of the historical commercial centre of Doha will feature the Gulf's largest open-air square, according to Msheireb Properties, developer of the Msheireb Downtown Doha project.

Al Baraha will be one of the main attractions of the development where visitors will be able to enjoy al fresco fine and casual dining at over 15 outlets, it said in a statement.

Being built as part of Phase 1B of Downtown Doha, Al Baraha is set to be the biggest manmade square in the Gulf, equal in size to the famous Piazza San Marco in Venice, it added.

Al Baraha will comprise state-of-the-art cooling systems to create a comfortable temperature for visitors, even in the hot summer months.

The square will also be bordered by the 19,000 square metre-Cultural Forum, which provides a venue for the creative community, with features including two art house cinemas and a performing arts theatre.

Space will also be available for public art exhibitions and lessons in music and the fine arts.

Designed by international architecture firm Mossessian & Partners, Al Baraha will feature a unique urban majlis, blending interior design features such as chandeliers and banquettes in an outdoor setting.

"As one of the key social hubs within the Msheireb Downtown Doha development, Al Baraha will reintroduce an authentically Arab social dynamic into our capital and serve as a meeting point for young and old, and a gateway into Doha for the many first-time visitors to Qatar," said Abdulla Hassan Al-Mehshadi, CEO at Msheireb Properties.

"It will also reflect the way Msheireb is recreating traditional Arab urban environments to lessen human impacts on the environment, with features that discourage car use and promote social interaction and pedestrianism," Al-Mehshadi said.

An iconic retractable canopy will shade the square to reduce direct heat during the day and will be retracted at night, allowing heat to escape.

An advanced under-floor radiant cooling system will further lower the temperature of the floor and eliminate heat gain from the stone paving.

Spread over a 31-hectare site, the Msheireb Downtown Doha aims to blend traditional Qatari heritage and aesthetic influences with the latest advances in clean technology and environmental efficiency.

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